Lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’

ABSTRACT

New lettuce variety designated ‘Sunchaser’ is described. ‘Sunchaser’ exhibits stability and uniformity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/675,618, filed May 23, 2018, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular,this invention relates to new lettuce, Lactuca sativa, variety‘Sunchaser’.

BACKGROUND

Lettuce is an increasingly popular crop. Worldwide lettuce consumptioncontinues to increase. As a result of this demand, there is a continuedneed for new lettuce varieties. In particular, there is a need forimproved iceberg lettuce varieties that are stable, high yielding, andagronomically sound.

SUMMARY

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed toimproved lettuce varieties.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactucasativa, seed designated as ‘Sunchaser’ having ATCC Accession NumberPTA-126633. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to aLactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced bygrowing ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolatedtherefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristicsof a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce seedhaving ATCC Accession Number PTA-126633. In still another embodiment,the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuceseed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having‘Sunchaser’ as a parent, where ‘Sunchaser’ is grown from ‘Sunchaser’lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number PTA-126633.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts oflettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads,lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovulesisolated from ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Sunchaser’lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissueculture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selectinglettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce plant,where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC AccessionNumber PTA-126633; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The presentinvention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds producedtherefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by theselection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with aplant grown from ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession NumberPTA-126633. In still another embodiment, the present invention isfurther directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuceplants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where thelettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactucasativa, seed designated as ‘PS1519’. In one embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolatedtherefrom produced by growing ‘PS1519’ lettuce seed. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plantand parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced bygrowing ‘PS1519’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed,plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having‘PS1519’ as a parent, where ‘PS1519’ is grown from ‘PS1519’ lettuceseed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts oflettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads,lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovulesisolated from ‘PS1519’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘PS1519’lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissueculture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of ‘PS1519’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selectinglettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘PS1519’ lettuce plant,where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plantfrom step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuceplants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seedsare isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with aplant grown from ‘PS1519’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce partsfrom the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds producedtherefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method ofthe invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactucasativa, seed designated as ‘Elevate’. In one embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and partsisolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Elevate’ lettuce seed. Inanother embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactucasativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiologicaland morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced bygrowing ‘Elevate’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed,plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having‘Elevate’ as a parent, where ‘Elevate’ is grown from ‘Elevate’ lettuceseed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts oflettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads,lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovulesisolated from ‘Elevate’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Elevate’lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissueculture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of ‘Elevate’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selectinglettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Elevate’ lettuce plant,where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plantfrom step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuceplants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seedsare isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with aplant grown from ‘Elevate’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment,the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuceparts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds producedtherefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method ofthe invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactucasativa, seed designated as ‘Payday’. In one embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and partsisolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Payday’ lettuce seed. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plantand parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced bygrowing ‘Payday’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed,plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having‘Payday’ as a parent, where ‘Payday’ is grown from ‘Payday’ lettuceseed.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts oflettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads,lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovulesisolated from ‘Payday’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Payday’lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissueculture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of ‘Payday’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selectinglettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Payday’ lettuce plant,where the plants are grown from lettuce seed; and b) selecting a plantfrom step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuceplants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seedsare isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with aplant grown from ‘Payday’ lettuce seed. In still another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce partsfrom the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds producedtherefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawings will be provided by the office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A-1I show lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1A showsheads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1B shows a side viewof heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1C shows a bottom view ofheads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectionalview of heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1E shows a seedlingof lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1F shows a seedling of lettucevariety ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1G shows plants of lettuce variety‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1I shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1I shows bolting plants of lettuce variety‘Sunchaser’.

FIGS. 2A-2K show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’(PS1516), ‘Speedway’ (PS1169; U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,937). FIG. 2A showsheads of lettuce varieties ‘Speedway’ (on left) and ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516;on right). FIG. 2B shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; top row) and ‘Speedway’ (bottom row). FIG. 2C showsa bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; toprow) and ‘Speedway’ (bottom row). FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional viewof heads of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; top row) and‘Speedway’ (bottom row). FIG. 2E shows a top view of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; top row) and ‘Speedway’ (bottom row).FIG. 2F shows seedlings of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; bottomrow) and ‘Speedway’ (PSI 169; top row). FIG. 2G shows a seedling oflettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (PSI 169). FIG. 2H shows a seedling oflettuce variety ‘Speedway’. FIG. 2I shows plants of lettuce variety‘Speedway’. FIG. 2J shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety‘Speedway’. FIG. 2K shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’.

FIGS. 3A-3J show lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3A showsheads of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3B shows a sideview of a head of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3C showsa bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG.3D shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’(14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3E shows heads of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3Fshows plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3G shows plants oflettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3H shows bottom and cross-sectional viewsof heads of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3I shows aseedling of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3J shows bolting plants oflettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3).

FIGS. 4A-4P show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Raider’(PS1014) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 4A shows heads of lettucevarieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; onright). FIG. 4B shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’(PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4C shows abottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional viewof heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014, on left) and ‘PS1519’(14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4E shows a bottom view of heads oflettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (on right).FIG. 4F shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’(PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (on right). FIG. 4G shows a bottom viewof heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’(14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4H shows cross-sectional views of headsof lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; two on left) and ‘PS1519’(14RDSJV022-3; two on right). FIG. 4I shows bottom and cross-sectionalviews of heads of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4J shows aseedling of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4K shows heads oflettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3;on right). FIG. 4L shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014).FIG. 4M shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4N showsplants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4O shows plants oflettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4P shows bolting plants of lettucevariety ‘Raider.’

FIGS. 5A-5M show lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5A shows headsof lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5B shows a top view of ahead of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5C shows a bottom viewof a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5D shows across-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5Eshows plants of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5F shows headsof lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5G shows a seedling of lettucevariety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5H shows a bottom view of a head oflettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5I shows a bottom view of a head oflettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5J shows cross-sectional views of a headof lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5K shows cross-sectional views of ahead of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5L shows heads of lettucevariety ‘Elevate’ in a carton. FIG. 5M shows bolting plants of lettucevariety ‘Elevate’.

FIGS. 6A-6P show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘GunSlinger’-(PS1013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,362,326) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG.6A shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (PS1512; on left) and ‘GunSlinger’ (PS1013; on right). FIG. 6B shows a top view of heads oflettuce varieties ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013; on left) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512;on right). FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013; on left) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512; on right). FIG.6D shows cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘GunSlinger’ (PS1013; top row) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512; bottom row). FIG. 6Eshows side views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (top row) and‘Gun Slinger’ (bottom row). FIG. 6F shows top views of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Elevate’ (top row) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (bottom row). FIG. 6Gshows cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (toprow) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (bottom row). FIG. 6H shows seedlings of lettucevarieties ‘Elevate’ (right column) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (left column). FIG.6I shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013). FIG. 6Jshows plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013). FIG. 6K showsheads of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’. FIG. 6L shows a bottom view of ahead of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’. FIG. 6M shows a cross-sectionalview of a head of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’. FIG. 6N shows heads oflettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (right carton) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (leftcarton) in cartons. FIG. 6O shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’in a carton. FIG. 6P shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘GunSlinger’.

FIGS. 7A-7J show lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7A shows headsof lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7B shows a side view of headsof lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7C shows a bottom view ofheads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7D shows across-sectional view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515).

FIG. 7E shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Payday’. FIG. 7F shows heads oflettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7G shows a seedling of lettucevariety ‘Payday’. FIG. 7H shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Payday’(PS1515). FIG. 7I shows bottom views of heads of lettuce variety‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7J shows bolting plants of lettuce variety‘Payday’ (PS1515).

FIGS. 8A-8M show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Payday’(PS1515) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8A shows heads of lettucevarieties ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; on left) and ‘Payday’ (PS1515; on right).FIG. 8B shows side views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515;top row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; bottom row). FIG. 8C shows bottomviews of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; top row) and‘Primetime’ (PS1037; bottom row). FIG. 8D shows cross-sectional views ofheads of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PSI 15; top row) and ‘Primetime’(PS1037; bottom row). FIG. 8E shows top views of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; top row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; bottomrow). FIG. 8F shows seedlings of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515;bottom row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; top row). FIG. 8G shows a seedlingof lettuce variety ‘Primetime’. FIG. 8H shows a seedling of lettucevariety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8I shows leaves of lettuce varieties‘Payday’ (PS1515; two on right) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; two on left).FIG. 8J shows bottom views of heads of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’(PS1037). FIG. 8K shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037).FIG. 8L shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8Mshows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

In order to more clearly understand the invention, the followingdefinitions are provided:

Core Length: Core length is the length of the internal lettuce stem.Core length is measured from the base of the cut head to the tip of thecore.

Core Diameter: Core diameter is the diameter of the lettuce stem at thebase of the cut head.

Heart Length: Heart length is the length of the vertically slicedlettuce plant as measured from the base of the cut stem to the top leafmargin of the longest outermost leaf that encloses the green leaf heart.

Plant Diameter: The plant diameter is a measurement across the top ofthe lettuce plant at its widest point. The measurement of frame diameteris taken from the outer most leaf tip horizontally to the outer mostleaf tip.

Head Diameter: Head diameter is the diameter of the vertically slicedlettuce plant head at its widest horizontal point, perpendicular to thestem.

Head Length: Head length is the diameter of the vertically slicedlettuce plant head as measured from the base of the cut stem to the capleaf.

Head Weight: Head weight is the weight of the marketable lettuce plant,cut and trimmed to market specifications.

Lettuce Mosaic Virus: A disease that can cause a stunted, deformed, ormottled pattern in young lettuce and yellow, twisted, and deformedleaves in older lettuce.

Maturity Date: Maturity refers to the stage when the plants are of fullsize or optimum weight, in marketable form or shape to be of commercialor economic value.

Munsell: Munsell refers to the Munsell Color Chart, which uses theMunsell color system.

Nasonovia ribisnigri: A lettuce aphid that colonizes the innermostleaves of the lettuce plant, contaminating areas that cannot be treatedeasily with insecticides.

Tip burn: Means a browning of the edges or tips of lettuce leaves thatis a physiological response to a lack of calcium.

Tomato Bushy Stunt: Lettuce dieback was first observed in California inthe mid-1980s, and reports of the disease have increased over the last10 years. Complete crop losses have occurred in fields of Green Leaflettuce, and no commercial Green Leaf cultivar has been shown to beresistant to the disease. In the U.S., Green Leaf is a rapidly growingmarket segment, having increased 68% over the last five years (USDA,2002). The disease has occurred in commercial fields of some leaflettuce cultivars; however, symptoms have never been observed on anymodern crisphead (iceberg) cultivars. Lettuce dieback is caused byseveral related tombusviruses including tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV)and lettuce necrotic stunt virus (LNSV) (Liu et al., 1999; Obermeier etal., 2001). These are soil-borne, highly stable, and mechanicallytransmitted, and have no known vector. The conditions affecting symptomdevelopment remain poorly understood. The disease is frequently observedin low-lying areas of fields with a prior history of flooding,suggesting that the virus may be carried in river water and/or thatdisease symptoms may be associated with increased root stresses such asthose presented by excess moisture. No effective cultural or chemicalcontrol methods have yet been identified.

Resistance to Tomato Busy Stunt refers to a level of resistance in alettuce variety as measured by visual symptoms. Resistance is deemedpresent when symptoms are not present in at least 95% of a lettucevariety when exposed to tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV).

Taking into account these definitions, the present invention is directedto seeds of the lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and‘Payday’, plants produced by growing ‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’,and/or ‘Payday’ lettuce seeds, heads isolated or harvested from theplants, one or more plants selected from a collection of ‘Sunchaser’,‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and/or ‘Payday’ plants and seeds derived orproduced therefrom; plants produced by crossing a lettuce plant with a‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and/or ‘Payday’ lettuce plant andseeds derived or produced therefrom.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Sunchaser’

‘Sunchaser’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This varietyis distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to itslater maturing time, larger core diameter, larger stem length, increasedhead weight, more upright frame, and more upright heading. Moreover,‘Sunchaser’ has a growing season that includes autumn, and is suitablefor cultivation in the open. ‘Sunchaser’ is adapted to growing inregions such as the Southwest regions of the United States, for exampleCalifornia and the Arizona desert. FIGS. 1A-1D and 1H depict heads oflettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’, FIGS. 1E-1F depict seedlings of lettucevariety ‘Sunchaser’, FIG. 1G depicts plants of lettuce variety‘Sunchaser’, and FIG. 11I depicts bolting plants of lettuce variety‘Sunchaser’. Lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ is the result of numerousgenerations of plant selections chosen for its later maturing time, moreupright frame, more upright heading, and increased head weight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘Sunchaser’.

Lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ has the following morphologic and othercharacteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg); Vanguard Group

Seed:

-   -   Color: White

Leaves:

-   -   Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:        -   Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate        -   Shape of fourth leaf: Oval        -   Apical margin: Finely dentate        -   Basal margin: Moderately dentate        -   Undulation: Slight        -   Green color: Dark green        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Cupping: Slight            -   Reflexing: None    -   Mature leaves:        -   Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Indentation of margin: Crenate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)        -   Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Dark green; comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish        -   Intensity of color of mature outer leaves: Medium        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Coloration: Absent            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Size: Medium            -   Glossiness: Dull (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)            -   Blistering: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)            -   Leaf thickness: Thick            -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 49.8 cm    -   Head diameter: 139.1 mm    -   Head shape: Elongate    -   Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Strong    -   Head size class: Medium    -   Head per carton: 24    -   Head weight: 647.7 g    -   Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

-   -   Shape: Rounded    -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

-   -   Diameter at base of head: 34.6 mm    -   Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.0    -   Core height from base of head to apex: 30.2 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Medium    -   Bolter leaves: Curved    -   Margin: Entire    -   Color: Dark green    -   Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer        conditions: 71 days

Bolter Habit:

-   -   Lateral shoots: Present    -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (BI): Susceptible to Bl:16-18,        Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33    -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible    -   Pests:        -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible            Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 1 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’with the lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,937). Column 1lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’, and column 3 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Speedway’.

TABLE 1 Characteristic ‘Sunchaser’ ‘Speedway’ Time to maturity Latermaturing Earlier maturing Core diameter Larger core diameter Smallercore diameter Stem length Larger stem length Smaller stem length FrameMore upright frame Less upright frame Heading More upright heading Lessupright heading Head weight Increased head weight Lower head weight

Table 2 below compares additional characteristics of lettuce variety‘Sunchaser’ with the lettuce variety ‘Speedway’. Column 1 lists thecharacteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘Sunchaser’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘Speedway’.

TABLE 2 Characteristic ‘Sunchaser’ ‘Speedway’ Green color of matureleaves Munsell 5GY 5/6 Munsell 5GY 4/8 Spread of frame leaves 49.8 cm50.08 cm Head diameter 139.1 mm 141.9 mm Head weight 647.7 g 599.7 gDiameter at base of head 34.6 mm 31.35 mm Core height from base to apex30.2 mm 26.9 mm

Tables 3A and 3B below show results of a first trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (Table 3A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (Table 3B).

TABLE 3A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Sunchaser’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max   685 g   157 mm   45 mm   34 mm  51.4 cm Min  300 g   122 mm   24 mm   26 mm  43.7 cm Average 484.75 g 142.30 mm33.00 mm 29.80 mm 47.43 cm Std. Dev 106.05 10.48 6.40 2.31  2.53 cm

TABLE 3B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Speedway’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max   565 g   167 mm   35 mm   31 mm  52.4 cm Min  335 g   123 mm   21 mm   26 mm  44.5 cm Average 456.00 g 143.30 mm26.70 mm 28.45 mm 48.03 cm Std. Dev 72.40 11.11 4.00 1.54 2.48

Tables 4A and 4B below show results of a second trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (Table 4A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (Table 4B).

TABLE 4A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Sunchaser’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 680 g   138 mm   32 mm   37 mm   50 cm Min 395 g  113 mm   21 mm   31 mm   44 cm Average 522 g 125.65 mm 25.8 mm 33.55mm 46.6 cm Std. Dev 75.47 7.56 2.65 1.61 1.73

TABLE 4B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Speedway’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max   700 g 147 mm   27 mm   34 mm   51 cm Min   435 g118 mm   20 mm   27 mm   43 cm Average 563.75 g 134 mm 23.65 mm 31.5 mm47.5 cm Std. Dev 77.08 9.16 1.81 1.99 2.19

Tables 5A and 5B below show results of a third trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (Table 5A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (Table 5B).

TABLE 5A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Sunchaser’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max  1270 g   171 mm   40 mm   49 mm   61 cm Min   730g   125 mm   20 mm   35 mm   48 cm Average 935.5 g 149.2 mm 31.85 mm40.5 mm 55.5 cm Std. Dev 149.15 11.39 4.86 3.25 2.96

TABLE 5B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Speedway’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max   1010 g   170 mm   40 mm   40 mm   60 cm Min  580 g   122 mm   19 mm   31 mm   48 cm Average 779.25 g 148.35 mm 30.5mm 34.1 mm 54.7 cm Std. Dev 118.93 12.39 4.50 2.71 3.01

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of thetwo varieties depicted in FIGS. 2A-2K.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘PS1519’

‘PS1519’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety isdistinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to itsimproved weight, larger frame, improved uniformity, increased headdiameter, increased core diameter, and earlier bolting. Moreover,‘PS1519’ has a growing season that includes autumn, and is suitable forcultivation in the open. ‘PS1519’ is adapted to growing in regions suchas the Southwest regions of the United States, for example Californiaand the Arizona desert. FIGS. 3A-3E and 3H depict heads of lettucevariety ‘PS1519’, FIG. 3I depicts a seedling of lettuce variety‘PS1519’, FIGS. 3F-3G depict plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’, andFIG. 3J depicts bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. Lettucevariety ‘PS1519’ is the result of numerous generations of plantselections chosen for its improved weight, larger frame, improveduniformity, and increased head diameter.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘PS1519’.

Lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ has the following morphologic and othercharacteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg); Vanguard Group

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black    -   Light dormancy: Light not required    -   Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Leaves:

-   -   Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:        -   Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate        -   Shape of fourth leaf: Oval        -   Apical margin: Finely dentate        -   Basal margin: Coarsely dentate        -   Undulation: Medium        -   Green color: Dark green        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Cupping: Slight            -   Reflexing: None    -   Mature leaves:        -   Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Indentation of margin: Shallowly dentate (comparable to            ‘Great Lakes 65’)        -   Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Green color of mature leaf: Munsell 5GY 6/6 (Medium green;            comparable to        -   ‘Great Lakes’)        -   Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish        -   Intensity of color of outer leaves: Light        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Coloration: Absent            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Size: Medium            -   Glossiness: Moderate (comparable to ‘Salinas’)            -   Blistering: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)            -   Leaf thickness: Thick            -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 46.6 cm    -   Head diameter: 150.3 mm    -   Head shape: Spherical    -   Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Medium    -   Head size class: Medium    -   Head per carton: 24    -   Head weight: 642.4 g    -   Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

-   -   Shape: Flat    -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

-   -   Diameter at base of head: 33.5 mm    -   Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.5    -   Core height from base to head of apex: 36.5 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Medium    -   Bolter leaves: Curved    -   Margin: Entire    -   Color: Dark green    -   Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer        conditions: 75 days

Bolter Habit

-   -   Terminal inflorescence: Present    -   Lateral shoots: Present    -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18,        Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33    -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible    -   Pests:        -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible            Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 6 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ withthe lettuce variety ‘Raider’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘PS1519’, and column 3shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Raider’.

TABLE 6 Characteristic ‘PS1519’ ‘Raider’ Weight Increased weight Lowerweight Frame Larger frame Smaller frame Uniformity Improved uniformityUniform Bolting Earlier Later Head diameter Increased head diameterSmaller head diameter Core diameter Increased core diameter Smaller corediameter

Table 7 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ withthe lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). Column 1 lists thecharacteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘PS1519’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘Raider’.

TABLE 7 Characteristic ‘PS1519’ ‘Raider’ Green color of mature leavesMunsell 5GY 6/6 Munsell 5GY 5/6 Spread of frame leaves 46.6 cm 44.6 cmHead diameter 150.3 mm 146 mm Head weight 642.4 g 589.1 g Diameter atbase of head 33.5 mm 31.8 mm Core height from base to apex 36.5 mm 33.7mm

Tables 8A and 8B below show results of a first trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (Table 8A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (Table 8B).

TABLE 8A ‘PS1519’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter FrameDiameter Max 1050 g 162 mm 47 mm 39 mm 54 cm Min 480 g 131 mm 27 mm 27mm 47 cm Average 708.75 g 148.9 mm 36.5 mm 32.5 mm 50.7 cm Std. Dev181.25 9.63 7.02 3.63 1.98

TABLE 8B ‘Raider’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter FrameDiameter Max 855 g 164 mm 49 mm 34 mm 52 cm Min 430 g 124 mm 27 mm 28 mm45 cm Average 663.25 g 147.25 mm 37.35 mm 31.4 mm 48.8 cm Std. Dev116.27 9.33 5.35 1.85 2.24

Tables 9A and 9B below show results of a second trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, frame diameter,and head length of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (Table 9A)with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (Table 9B).

TABLE 9A Head Core Core Frame Head ‘PS1519’ Head Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Length Max 735 g   175 mm   56 mm   37 mm   48 cm  159 mm Min 405 g   130 mm   18 mm   30 mm   38 cm   125 mm Average 576g 151.6 mm 36.5 mm 34.55 mm 42.5 cm 144.65 mm Std. Dev 90.74 10.63 8.872.01 2.65 9.19

TABLE 9B Head Core Core Frame Head ‘Raider’ Head Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Length Max 665 g   162 mm   43 mm   36 mm   46 cm  151 mm Min 355 g   125 mm   22 mm   28 mm   36 cm   130 mm Average 515g 144.75 mm 29.95 mm 32.15 mm 40.3 cm 139.6 mm Std. Dev 82.30 10.95 5.732.37 7.56 7.04

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of thetwo varieties depicted in FIGS. 4A-4P.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Elevate’

‘Elevate’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety isdistinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to itslighter green color, improved uniformity, larger head diameter, largerstem length, increased head weight, increased core diameter, and smallerframe size. Moreover, ‘Elevate’ has a growing season that includeswinter, and is suitable for cultivation in the open. ‘Elevate’ isadapted to growing in regions such as the Southwest regions of theUnited States, for example California and the Arizona desert. FIGS.5A-5D, 5F, and 5H-5L depict heads of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, FIG. 5Gdepicts a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, FIG. 5E depicts plantsof lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, and FIG. 5M depicts bolting plants oflettuce variety ‘Elevate’. Lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ is the result ofnumerous generations of plant selections chosen for its lighter greencolor, improved uniformity, larger head diameter, and increased headweight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘Elevate’.

Lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ has the following morphologic and othercharacteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg); Salinas Group

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black

Leaves:

-   -   Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:        -   Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate        -   Shape of fourth leaf: Oval        -   Apical margin: Finely dentate        -   Basal margin: Moderately dentate        -   Undulation: Slight        -   Green color: Dark green        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Cupping: Slight            -   Reflexing: None    -   Mature leaves:        -   Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Indentation of margin: Shallowly dentate (comparable to            ‘Great Lakes 65’)        -   Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Green color: Munsell 5GY 6/6 (Medium green; comparable to            ‘Great Lakes’)        -   Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish        -   Intensity of color of outer leaves: Medium        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Coloration: Absent            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Size: Medium            -   Glossiness: Moderate (comparable to ‘Salinas’)            -   Blistering: Absent/slight (comparable to ‘Salinas’)            -   Leaf thickness: Thick            -   Trichomes of mature leaf: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 47.9 cm    -   Head diameter: 168.2 mm    -   Head shape: Spherical    -   Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Strong    -   Head size class: Medium    -   Head per carton: 24    -   Head weight: 722.5 g    -   Head firmness: Moderate

Plant Butt:

-   -   Shape: Flat    -   Midrib: Flattened (comparable to ‘Salinas’)

Plant Core:

-   -   Diameter at base of head: 34.6 mm    -   Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.8    -   Core height from base of head to apex: 41.9 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Medium    -   Bolter leaves: Curved    -   Margin: Entire    -   Color: Medium green    -   Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer        conditions: 69 days

Bolter Habit:

-   -   Lateral shoots: Present    -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl: 16-18,        Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33    -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible    -   Pests:        -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible            Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 10 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’with the lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (U.S. Pat. No. 8,362,326). Column1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Elevate’, and column 3 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’.

TABLE 10 Characteristic ‘Elevate’ ‘Gun Slinger’ Leaf color Lighter greencolor Darker green color Uniformity Improved uniformity Uniform Headdiameter Larger head diameter Smaller head diameter Stem length Largerstem length Smaller stem length Frame size Smaller frame size Largerframe size Head weight Increased head weight Lower head weight Corediameter Larger core diameter Smaller core diameter

Table 11 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’with the lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013). Column 1 lists thecharacteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘Elevate’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘Gun Slinger’.

TABLE 11 Characteristic ‘Elevate’ ‘Gun Slinger’ Green color of matureleaves Munsell 5GY 6/6 Munsell 5GY 5/6 Spread of frame leaves 47.9 cm49.0 cm Head diameter 168.2 mm 161.7 mm Head weight 722.5 g 632.4 gDiameter at base of head 34.6 mm 32.9 mm Core height from base to apex41.9 mm 37.2 mm

Tables 12A and 12B below show results of a first trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, frame diameter,and head length of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (Table12A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (Table12B).

TABLE 12A Head Core Core Frame Head ‘Elevate’ Head Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Length Max   1020 g   193 mm   47 mm   38 mm   52 cm  168 mm Min   610 g   158 mm   31 mm   34 mm   42 cm   138 mm Average825.75 g 174.15 mm 39.35 mm 36.5 mm 47.8 cm 155.15 mm Std. Dev 105.419.08 3.69 1.28 2.82 7.64

TABLE 12B ‘Gun Head Core Core Frame Head Slinger’ Head Wt. DiameterLength Diameter Diameter Length Max   790 g   197 mm   41 mm   37 mm  52 cm 158 mm Min   435 g   140 mm   28 mm   32 mm   45 cm 130 mmAverage 631.5 g 163.25 mm 33.95 mm 34.5 mm 48.65 cm 143 mm Std. Dev102.68 14.95 3.43 1.47 1.95 7.18

Tables 13A and 13B below show results of a second trial that comparesthe head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, framediameter, and head length of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Elevate’(Table 13A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’(Table 13B).

TABLE 13A Head Core Core Frame Head ‘Elevate’ Head Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Length Max   870 g   173 mm   60 mm   38 mm  50.5 cm  157 mm Min   515 g   144 mm   38 mm   32 mm  43.5 cm   123 mm Average697.75 g 157.75 mm 48.3 mm 35.2 mm 46.05 cm 144.7 mm Std. Dev 92.87 6.105.94 1.58 2.12 9.29

TABLE 13B ‘Gun Head Head Core Core Frame Head Slinger’ Wt. DiameterLength Diameter Diameter Length Max 720 g   173 mm   50 mm   36 mm   51cm   153 mm Min 465 g   135 mm   34 mm   29 mm  43.5 cm   128 mm Average619 g 157.2 mm 40.7 mm 33.3 mm 46.65 cm 142.4 mm Std. Dev 66.90 9.704.57 1.42 2.41 7.42

Tables 14A and 14B below show results of a third trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (Table 14A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (Table 14B).

TABLE 14A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Elevate’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 793 g 205 mm 45 mm 37 mm 54 cm Min 501 g 148 mm 32mm 28 mm 43.5 cm Average 644.1 g 172.6 mm 38.2 mm 31.95 mm 50.13 cm Std.Dev 77.76 15.30 3.94 2.01 2.44

TABLE 14B ‘Gun Slinger’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 830 g 185 mm 45 mm 37 mm 54.5 cm Min 510 g 143 mm 29mm 28 mm 46 cm Average 646.75 g 164.6 mm 36.85 mm 31.15 mm 51.8 cm Std.Dev 94.07 15.08 3.92 2.74 2.73

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of thetwo varieties depicted in FIGS. 6A-6P.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Payday’

‘Payday’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety isdistinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to itsimproved weight, improved uniformity, larger frame, increased corediameter, increased core length, smaller head size, and earlierflowering. Moreover, ‘Payday’ has a growing season that includes autumn,and is suitable for cultivation in the open. ‘Payday’ is adapted togrowing in regions such as the Southwest regions of the United States,for example California and the Arizona desert. FIGS. 7A-7D, 7F and 7Idepict heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’, FIGS. 7G-7H depict seedlingsof lettuce variety ‘Payday’, FIG. 7E depicts plants of lettuce variety‘Payday’, and FIG. 7J depicts bolting plants of lettuce variety‘Payday’. Lettuce variety ‘Payday’ is the result of numerous generationsof plant selections chosen for its improved weight, improved uniformity,and larger frame.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘Payday’.

Lettuce variety ‘Payday’ has the following morphologic and othercharacteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg), Vanguard Group

Seed:

-   -   Color: Black

Leaves:

-   -   Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:        -   Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate        -   Shape of fourth leaf: Oval        -   Apical margin: Moderately dentate        -   Basal margin: Finely dentate        -   Undulation: Medium        -   Green color: Medium green        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Cupping: Slight            -   Reflexing: None    -   Mature leaves:        -   Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Indentation of margin: Crenate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)        -   Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Dark green; comparable to            ‘Vanguard’)        -   Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish        -   Intensity of color of outer leaves: Medium        -   Anthocyanin:            -   Coloration: Absent            -   Distribution: Absent            -   Size: Medium            -   Glossiness: Dull (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)            -   Blistering: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)            -   Leaf thickness: Intermediate            -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

-   -   Spread of frame leaves: 44.6 cm    -   Head diameter: 138.9 mm    -   Head shape: Slightly flattened    -   Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Medium    -   Head size class: Medium    -   Head per carton: 24    -   Head weight: 602 g    -   Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

-   -   Shape: Flat    -   Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

-   -   Diameter at base of head: 29.1 mm    -   Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.7    -   Core height from base of head to apex: 33.6 mm

Bolting:

-   -   Class: Medium    -   Bolter leaves: Curved    -   Margin: Entire    -   Color: Medium green    -   Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer        conditions: 73 days

Bolter Habit:

-   -   Lateral shoots: Absent    -   Basal side shoots: Present

Disease/Pest Resistance:

-   -   Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18,        Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33    -   Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible    -   Pests:        -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible            Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 15 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ withthe lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). Column 1 lists thecharacteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘Payday’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety‘Primetime’.

TABLE 15 Characteristic ‘Payday’ ‘Primetime’ Weight Increased weightLower weight Uniformity Improved uniformity Uniform Frame Larger frameSmaller frame Flowering time Earlier flowering Later flowering Corediameter Larger core diameter Smaller core diameter Stem length Largerstem length Smaller stem length Head diameter Smaller head diameterLarger head diameter

Table 16 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ withthe lettuce variety ‘PS1037’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Payday’, and column 3shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Primetime’.

TABLE 16 Characteristic ‘Payday’ ‘Primetime’ Green color of matureleaves Munsell 5GY 5/6 Munsell 5GY 6/6 Spread of frame leaves 44.6 cm43.9 cm Head diameter 138.9 mm 139.4 mm Head weight 602 g 547.1 gDiameter at base of head 29.1 mm 28.6 mm Core height from base to apex33.6 mm 32.1 mm

Tables 17A and 17B below show results of a first trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (Table 17A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (Table 17B).

TABLE 17A ‘Payday’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 690 g 161 mm 42 mm 33 mm 49 cm Min 300 g 121 mm 27 mm27 mm 42 cm Average 531.75 g 141.25 mm 33.55 mm 29.75 mm 45.5 cm Std.Dev 102.56 9.82 415 1.74 2.24

TABLE 17B ‘Primetime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 755 g 173 mm 40 mm 33 mm 48 cm Min 355 g 135 mm 22 mm25 mm 41 cm Average 483.68 g 148.53 mm 30.79 mm 29.32 mm 45.05 cm Std.Dev 122.82 10.07 5.58 2.38 2.27

Tables 18A and 18B below show results of a second trial that comparesthe head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (Table 18A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (Table 18B).

TABLE 18A ‘Payday’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 790 g 149 mm 32 mm 36 mm 50 cm Min 485 g 121 mm 19 mm23 mm 37 cm Average 645 g 137.1 mm 27.75 mm 31 mm 46.15 cm Std. Dev92.02 7.50 3.48 3.23 3.05

TABLE 18B ‘Primetime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 805 g 147 mm 34 mm 34 mm 50 cm Min 435 g 119 mm 22 mm27 mm 42 cm Average 598.25 g 133.15 mm 27.95 mm 31.55 mm 45.85 cm Std.Dev 119.26 8.85 3.59 1.93 2.35

Tables 19A and 19B below show results of a third trial that compares thehead weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and framediameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (Table 19A) withthose of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (Table 19B).

TABLE 19A ‘Payday’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 680 g 160 mm 50 mm 32 mm 47 cm Min 580 g 121 mm 27 mm23 mm 36 cm Average 629.25 g 138.45 mm 39.6 mm 26.65 mm 42.05 cm Std.Dev 24.88 10.12 800 2.58 2.93

TABLE 19B ‘Primetime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 640 g 160 mm 51 mm 29 mm 48 cm Min 480 g 115 mm 25 mm22 mm 34 cm Average 559.25 g 136.65 mm 37.55 mm 25 mm 41.05 cm Std. Dev47.99 12.40 7.74 1.62 3.61

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of thetwo varieties depicted in FIGS. 8A-8M.

Further Embodiments

Breeding

In lettuce breeding, lines are selected for their appropriatecharacteristics. For example, one line may be selected for bolttolerance in the fall growing conditions of the desert productionlocations of California and Arizona. Another line may be selected forthe size, color, and texture of the lettuce head. Crosses are made, forexample, to produce a dark green, sure heading iceberg lettuce withimproved texture, and size for fall plantings in Yuma, Ariz. and theSalinas Valley, Calif.

To optimize crossing, it is important to note that lettuce is anobligate self-pollinating species. This means that the pollen is shedbefore stigma emergence, assuring 100% self-fertilization. Since eachlettuce flower is an aggregate of about 10-20 individual florets(typical of the Compositae family), manual removal of the anther tubescontaining the pollen is performed by procedures well known in the artof lettuce breeding.

The manual removal of anther tubes, though an effective means to ensurethe removal of all self pollinating possibilities, is very tedious andtime consuming when a large number of crosses are to be made. Thebreeders have therefore adapted a well documented and modified method ofmaking crosses more efficiently using these methods. This particularcross was made by first misting the designated male flowers to wash thepollen off prior to fertilization. This process of misting is a provenand effective means of pollen removal that assures crossing orhybridization. About 60-90 minutes past sunrise, flowers to be used forcrossings are selected. The basis for selection are open flowers, withthe stigma emerged and the pollen visibly attached to the single stigma(about 10-20 stigma). Using 3-4 pumps of water from a regular spraybottle, the pollen is washed off with enough pressure to dislodge thepollen grains, but not enough to damage the style. Excess water is driedoff with clean paper towels. About 30 minutes later, the styles shouldspring back up and the two lobes of the stigma are visibly open in a “V”shape. Pollen from another variety or donor parent is then introduced bygently rubbing the stigma and style of the donor parent to the maternalparent. Tags with the pertinent information on date and pedigree arethen secured to the flowers in order to keep track.

About 2-3 weeks after pollination, seeds are harvested when theinvolucre have matured. The seeds are eventually sown and in thepresence of markers such as leaf color or leaf margins, the selfed ormaternal seedlings or plants are identified. Generally, there are novisible markers and breeders must wait until the F₂ generations whenexpected segregation patterns for the genetic character of interest canbe followed. This latter situation mandates a lengthy wait to determineif hybrids are produced. Two relevant references teaching methods forout crossing lettuce are: (1) Ryder, E. J. and A. S. Johnson. 1974. Mistdepollination of lettuce flowers. Hortscience 9:584; and (2) Nagata, R.T. 1992. Clip and Wash Method of Emasculation for Lettuce. Hortscience27(8):907-908 both of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety for the purpose of providing details on the techniqueswell known in the art.

Selection

In addition to crossing, selection may be used to identify and isolatenew lettuce lines. In lettuce selection, lettuce seeds are planted, theplants are grown and single plant selections are made of plants withdesired characteristics. Such characteristics may include improved headand frame size, deeper or darker green leaf color, etc. Seed from thesingle plant selections are harvested, separated from seeds of the otherplants in the field and re-planted. The plants from the selected seedare monitored to determine if they exhibit the desired characteristicsof the originally selected line. Selection work is continued overmultiple generations to increase the uniformity of the new line.

DEPOSIT INFORMATION

Lettuce Variety ‘Sunchaser’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ is maintained by PinnacleSeed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923,United States of America. Access to this deposit will be availableduring the pendency of this application to persons determined by theCommissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in thisapplication, all restrictions on the availability to the public of thevariety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit ofat least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the BudapestTreaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC PatentDepository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ was deposited on Jan. 28, 2020 accordingto the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC),ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va.,20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number PTA-126633. Accessto this deposit will be available during the pendency of thisapplication to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents andTrademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. §122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictionson the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocablyremoved.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

What is claimed:
 1. Lactuca sativa seed designated as ‘Sunchaser’,representative sample of seed having been deposited, under ATCCAccession Number PTA-126633.
 2. A Lactuca sativa plant produced bygrowing the seed of claim
 1. 3. A plant part from the plant of claim 2.4. The plant part of claim 3, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or aportion thereof.
 5. The plant part of claim 4, wherein said part is ahead.
 6. A Lactuca sativa plant having all the physiological andmorphological, characteristics of the Lactuca sativa plant of claim 2.7. A plant part from the plant of claim
 6. 8. The plant part of claim 7,wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 9. The plantpart of claim 8, wherein said part is a head.
 10. An F₁ hybrid Lactucasativa plant having ‘Sunchaser’ as a parent where ‘Sunchaser’ is grownfrom the seed of claim
 1. 11. A pollen grain or an ovule of the plant ofclaim
 2. 12. A tissue culture of the plant of claim
 2. 13. A Lactucasativa plant regenerated from e tissue culture of claim 12, wherein theplant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics ofa lettuce plant produced by growing seed designated as ‘Sunchaser’,representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC AccessionNumber PTA-126633.
 14. A method of making Lactuca sativa seeds, saidmethod comprising crossing the plant of claim 2 with another lettuceplant and harvesting seed therefrom.
 15. A method of selecting Lactucasativa, comprising: a) growing more than one plant from the seed ofclaim 1; and b) selecting a plant from step a).
 16. A Lactuca sativaplant selected by the method of claim
 15. 17. Lactuca sativa seedproduced from the Lactuca sativa plant of claim 16.